There’s plenty to do in Brisbane – from a game of outdoor table tennis by the river to a dip in a human-made beach on a river.
But, with a good set of wheels, you can discover even more beyond the city limits. Whether you’re in Brisbane for a weekend or a week, be sure to add a day trip or two to your itinerary.
Here are five of the most interesting – from a day in paradise among the surf and sand of Bribie Island, to a day diving into history among the grand buildings of Ipswich.
Don’t have a car? You can always hire one from SIXT. We have branches all over Brisbane.
FOR GETTING BACK TO NATURE: BRIBIE ISLAND
Yearning to escape the ordinary world for a day? Make a beeline for Bribie Island. Located two hours’ drive northeast of Brisbane, this special place is the only island connected to mainland Queensland by road.
But, once you’re there, you’d never know how easy it is to reach. There are national parks, unspoiled beaches and wildlife galore. To meet dolphins, dugongs and turtles, take a tour of Pumicestone Passage; and for kangaroos, emus and kookaburras, spend some time in Bribie Island National Park.
FOR DIVING INTO HISTORY: IPSWICH
Ipswich is just 45 minutes’ drive southwest of Brisbane CBD, making it an easy day trip. The big attraction here is the lovely town centre, lined with beautifully maintained historical buildings.
Get started with a coffee in one of the many excellent cafes, such as Ellen and Rod, or Rafter and Rose. Then, to dive straight into history, head to the visitors’ centre to pick up a heritage trail guide, and take yourself on a guided tour. Interesting places to stop include Ipswich Art Gallery and Workshops Rail Museum.
Keen to stretch your legs before leaving town? Take a wander through Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve, or, for a longer adventure and fantastic views, follow the 6-kilometre trail along White Rock Ridge.
FOR SPECTACULAR SCENERY: SCENIC RIM
To spend a day surrounded by breathtaking views, jump in the car and drive to the Scenic Rim – an hour’s drive southwest of Brisbane.
There are many ways to explore this spectacular area, which is filled with World Heritage-listed rainforests, sparkling lakes, untouched national parks and green valleys dotted with pretty villages – all backdropped by rugged mountains.
Highlights include the six hectares of purple flowers at Kooroomba Lavender Farm, the waterfalls of Tamborine Mountain and a picnic with alpacas at Mountview Alpaca Farm in Canungra. They’re just the tip of the iceberg.
FOR WINE TASTING: STANTHORPE
Stanthorpe, which lies two-and-a-half hours southwest of Brisbane, is the heart of Granite Belt Wine Country.
Here, you can spend a day trip travelling from one vineyard to another sampling fabulous wines, tasting local produce (from stone fruit to cheese to truffles) and strolling through national parks.
Experiences that shouldn’t leave off the itinerary include a visit to the Truffle Discovery Centre, cheese tasting at Stanthorpe Cheese (where 12 varieties are on offer) and a hike to Balancing Rock (for a great photo opportunity).
FOR STUNNING GARDENS: TOOWOOMBA
Toowoomba, which is 90 minutes’ drive west of Brisbane, is also known as The Garden City because it’s filled with magnificent gardens and parks.
You could spend your entire day walking, picnicking and daydreaming among them. It’s hard to think of a better way to relax.
But, if you’re up for an adventure, there are loads of things to do – from hopping between lookouts with incredible views to breaking out of escape rooms. Read our guide to fun things to do in Toowoomba over here.
GETTING TO BRISBANE
From Sydney or Melbourne, one way to get to Brisbane is by car. Transform your holiday into an epic road trip with our guides to travelling from Sydney to Brisbane, and from Melbourne to Sydney. They’re packed with great tips on where to stop – from stunning beaches to excellent restaurants.
Short on time? Fly to Brisbane Airport. SIXT car rentals can have a comfortable, reliable car ready and waiting for you – be it a spacious SUV or an eco-friendly electric vehicle.
